As a group of 3 engineering students, we went on a self-proposed trip to north Cyprus to investigate the protection cages used on the sea turtle (green sea turtles and loggerheads) nests. The main purposes of these cages are to protect the nests from predators such as dogs and foxes and raise visual awareness in order to avoid human disruption. We met with 2 different organisations and visited 4 different beaches trying to review the current designs in use with the base teams. Our main aims were to improve the design and reduce the use of plastic as much as possible.

1. The cages (white dome-like structure made from PVC) and fences used on Alagadi Beach

2. The cages (yellow pyramid-like structure made from steel rods) and stones used on Guzelyali Beach

3. A plastic bag and other litter in the foreground and numerous sea turtle nests in the background

4. A hatchling making its way to the Mediterranean Sea

5. An information board on the Guzelyali Beach

6. A shot from our visit to the Alagadi Turtle Project Base where we saw the cages and the fences in the making

7. We were waiting for the sunset to release the hatchlings into the sea as the Sun and other sources of light cause distraction

8. An event organised to raise awareness about the Turtle Conservation Project

9. A free Cyprus donkey (another protected species) that lives in the Karpaz National Park. It stopped our car to ask for some food 😊